Pro-life protester in DC jailed, seeks release pending sentencing, plans to appeal.
Pro-Life Activist Convicted of Obstructing Abortion Clinic Appeals Conviction
Pro-life activist Lauren Handy, who was convicted this week of conspiring to obstruct access to an abortion clinic in Washington, is determined to fight back. Handy’s lawyers have announced that they will appeal her conviction and are requesting her release from pre-sentencing detention.
The government has until 10 a.m. on Aug. 31 to respond to this request, adding to the anticipation surrounding the case.
Handy, along with four co-defendants, was found guilty by a jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Aug. 29. The group, consisting of Herb Geraghty, Heather Idoni, William Goodman, and John Hinshaw, was immediately taken into custody to await sentencing, which could be months away.
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If sentenced, each defendant could face up to 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $350,000.
The charges stem from an incident in October 2020 when the defendants conspired to obstruct access to the Washington Surgi-Clinic, an abortion provider. The indictment alleges that their goal was to create a blockade and prevent the clinic from offering reproductive health services.
Some supporters of the pro-life movement refer to this type of action as a “rescue,” as they believe it can save the lives of unborn children.
The defendants were specifically convicted of ”conspiracy against rights” and conspiracy under Section 248 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, which falls under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
It’s worth noting that the FACE Act has faced criticism from federal lawmakers who argue that the Biden administration selectively enforces the law.
Opponents of the “conspiracy against rights” charge argue that there is no constitutional right to abortion, as determined by the Supreme Court in June 2022. The court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the Roe v. Wade precedent, returning the regulation of abortion to the states.
Handy’s attorneys, Martin Cannon and Steve Crampton from the Thomas More Society, expressed their disappointment with the verdict and vowed to appeal. They believe that Handy’s actions were motivated by a desire to protect the lives of unborn children.
In a statement, Cannon said, “We are preparing an appeal and will continue to defend those who fight for life against a Biden Department of Justice that seems intent on prosecuting those who decry abortion and present it as it is—the intentional killing of children in utero.”
Crampton criticized the court’s decision to immediately incarcerate the defendants, emphasizing that their intention was to remain non-violent. He argued that the real violence occurs during the abortion procedure.
Handy’s lawyers have filed an emergency motion asking the court to reconsider its order to detain her until sentencing. They argue that the FACE Act should not be considered a “crime of violence” and that she should be subject to more lenient provisions.
Handy’s case has garnered attention from both sides of the abortion debate, with supporters arguing that she was defending the rights of unborn children and opponents claiming that she violated the law.
As the legal battle continues, the outcome of Handy’s appeal will have significant implications for the pro-life movement and the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights.
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